ᐅ How can I install IKEA Metod cabinets to maximize storage space?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning the design and installation of IKEA Metod cabinets in my kitchen and want to maximize storage space. The question I have is: How can I install IKEA Metod cabinets to make the best possible use of the available space?

Specifically, I am interested in which combinations of cabinet sizes, interior fittings (such as shelves, drawers, pull-outs), and possibly additional solutions like organizers or inner doors offer the most efficient use of space.

I especially struggle with unused areas in corners and niches and want to store both small and large kitchen items in a space-saving way.

I would appreciate tips on practical installation options, clever organizing systems, or even experiences with special solutions within the Metod series. I am particularly interested in ideas that go beyond the standard assembly instructions.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

Good morning Rosaka,

Your question is very clear and detailed — this really helps with providing advice.

To maximize storage space in IKEA Metod cabinets, you should keep a few things in mind:

- Use tall cabinets (e.g., 80 cm or 100 cm deep) (31.5 inches or 39.4 inches), because shallower cabinets may look less bulky but leave storage volume unused.

- Opt for internal pull-outs instead of fixed shelves. These allow easy access to the entire storage space without having to reach all the way to the back.

- For corners, I recommend carousel solutions similar to the Pax system, such as so-called “Magic Corners” or pull-outs that also give you access to the deepest corner space. Metod itself doesn’t offer carousels, but special corner cabinets with pull-outs that you should combine appropriately.

- Use inner doors with hanging racks for small, frequently used items.

- When combining cabinets, the space between modules is important. Make sure to use filler panels (blends) so that no unnecessary gaps occur.

- It’s very important to consider the load capacity of the shelves so you can store heavy pots or appliances without issues.

How large are your cabinet surfaces so far, and have you decided whether to use wall cabinets or only base cabinets?

This will significantly influence the recommendations.

Le_kin schrieb:
For corners, I recommend carousel systems similar to PAX, so-called "Magic Corners," or pull-outs that also give you access to the deepest corner spaces.

These Magic Corners sound nice, but aren’t they often a way to drive up costs? Talking about maximum storage while recommending expensive corner solutions seems contradictory to me.

If you want to make the most of the space, you also have to consider the cost-effective side. Standard corner cabinets from Metod may offer less convenience, but they can possibly be expanded with additional shelf inserts without spending too much money.

Also: Does anyone have clear data on how much storage space a Magic Corner really provides compared to a regular corner cabinet? Sometimes it’s less than the manufacturer claims.

I often find there is a lack of objective consideration between “maximum storage” and “maximum costs.”

theo63 schrieb:
If you want to make the most of the space, you also have to consider cost-effectiveness.

Haha, true – but sometimes a bit of creativity and maybe a bigger budget can pay off in the long run!?

I built Metod cabinets for my kitchen, with drawers included—not just the shallow ones, but those with side dividers too—which keeps everything neatly organized and I don’t lose any corners anymore. Combining them with different boxes and small containers inside makes all the difference.

Also, try varying the drawer heights—big ones at the bottom, narrow ones at the top—this works great for everyday items and pantry storage.

For corners, I was recommended the “light-handed method”: pushing everything you rarely use to the back, and placing what you need daily in front. This way, it’s always clear where things go, and nothing gets lost in the cabinet jungle.

Of course, it’s not a 100% perfect tip, but life isn’t an IKEA catalog after all! ?

theo63 schrieb:
I often find a balanced evaluation between "maximum storage space" and "maximum costs" is missing.

It is very important to consider cost efficiency right from the start of the planning process.

If your goal is truly to maximize storage space with IKEA Metod, I recommend the following approach:

- Measure your space precisely, including niches and corners
- Create an accurate plan for how you can combine cabinets (pay attention to depths and widths)
- Use Metod components that fit the space exactly, not mostly standard modules
- Corner solutions are always a compromise between footprint and usability – doing the math pays off!

Maybe you should share your plan here (floor plan, measurements) – then we can provide more targeted advice. Sometimes the seemingly expensive inserts turn out cheaper in the long run because they create a lot of usable storage that would otherwise be wasted.

And the “Magic Corner” solution is not the only way to gain storage in corners, but it is often the most space-saving and practical.